Get NCIDQ Certified in 2023!!
Hello! I’m so glad you are interested in learning more about the NCIDQ Exam! I’m Sarah Schwuchow, a Registered Interior Designer in Illinois and I passed the NCIDQ exam in the Spring of 2018.
I am also a CIDQ Ambassador, which means I help mentor exam candidates, educate students, and promote the value of NCIDQ certification to the public. I’m on a mission to help other designers pass the NCIDQ exam and become Registered Interior Designers!
If you’re interested in learning more about the NCIDQ Exam, why it’s important, and how it can benefit you as a designer, you’re in the right place!
It’s been 5 years since I earned my NCIDQ certification. This certification has benefited me in numerous ways, from opening my own business to having the confidence and knowledge to effectively communicate on a job site. This exam is not just for commercial interior designers; I use my NCIDQ knowledge every day as a residential interior designer and highly recommend all interior designers work towards this certification.
I always felt there was a need for more NCIDQ mentorship among the design community. After passing the exam, I looked into the CIDQ Ambassadors program where I could provide mentorship to candidates and educate Interior Design students on the value of the NCIDQ exam. I strive to be a resource to other designers, sharing my NCIDQ journey and encouraging them to take the exam.
I have helped many aspiring designers work towards this certification as well. In 2019 I created a study group through ASID to help designers pass the NCIDQ exam. Since then, the group has grown and we now partner with IIDA IL to broaden our reach.
Just starting to think about taking this exam can be a daunting task in itself! I’m here to help break down the requirements and get you on track for taking the exam. Keep reading below for step-by-step instructions on how you can become NCIDQ Certified.
Please note - the statements on this website are my own and not a reflection of CIDQ as an organization. This blog post is intended to be a supplementary guide for your NCIDQ journey. Please visit CIDQ.org for more information regarding qualifications, expectations, current prices, etc. Familiarize yourself with the CIDQ website, eligibility requirements, application process, registration process, and important dates and deadlines!
Application deadline
Applications for the Spring 2023 Exam needed to be
submitted by January 31st and July 31st for the Fall 2023 Exam.
Do NOT submit your application until you are ready to begin sitting for the NCIDQ Examination. Your testing windows are based on application approval.
What is NCIDQ Certification and Who is CIDQ?
CIDQ History
CIDQ was created by the American Institute of Interior Designers (AID) and the National Society of Interior Designers (NSID) in the late 1960s. The group officially incorporated as a not-for-profit in 1974 and was the basis for issuing credentials to Interior Design professionals. The AID and NSID would eventually merge to become what is now the American Society of Interior Designers. CIDQ went on to run as an independent organization, which administers the NCIDQ exam
What Does NCIDQ Mean?
The NCIDQ exam stands for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. This is a globally recognized exam and the highest standard an Interior Designer can earn. The NCIDQ Exam was created by the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ). Once you pass all three sections (IDFX, IDPX, Practicum) of the the NCIDQ Exam, you become an NCIDQ Certificate Holder. You can then use the NCIDQ appellation after your name: Sarah Schwuchow, NCIDQ. The exam is offered for the entire months of April and October at Prometric Testing Centers. All three sections of the exam are now computerized.
Why Does NCIDQ Certification Matter?
NCIDQ Certification matters because it is an indicator of our proficiency and knowledge.
The Interior Design profession is still relatively young at only about 100 years old.
We are still working towards reasonable regulation, the title acts, practice acts, stamping abilities, and legislative rights for our profession.
NCIDQ Certification helps to create a standard to ensure designers have the knowledge, education, and experience to create spaces that meet codes, regulations, ADA requirements, health, safety, and welfare.
I am proud to be an NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer that can contribute to the development of the Interior Design profession as a whole.
From a legislative standpoint in Illinois, it is critical that we ensure the “Registered Interior Designers Act'' stays in effect, as many legal benefits come with this title such as lien rights.
In 2022, a major advancement in our profession was made. Governor Pritzker signed historic legislation that establishes practice rights for interior designers in Illinois. Read more Here.
10 Reasons Why You Should Take the NCIDQ Exam
NCIDQ Certification sets you apart from unqualified designers and decorators.
It is an indicator of your proficiency and knowledge.
NCIDQ Certification shows your commitment to the Interior Design profession.
You’ll earn respect among your colleagues, employers, and clients.
You’ll have the potential to earn more money and promotions, as many firms require NCIDQ Certification.
Increasing the number of registered/licensed designers elevates our profession.
NCIDQ Certification helps with legislation and Interior Design rights.
In Illinois, you must be an NCIDQ Certificate Holder to become a Registered Interior Designer, which gives you lien rights and practice rights now!
Registered Interior Designers in Illinois now have the right to file liens. Unregistered designers and decorators do not hold this right.
“To date, more than 30,000 people around the world have earned NCIDQ Certification, the gold standard for interior design professionals” (CIDQ.org).
What’s on the NCIDQ Exam?
“The strenuous requirements of the NCIDQ Examination give clients and employers added confidence in the caliber of work from NCIDQ Certified designers” (CIDQ.org).
The NCIDQ examination is no walk in the park. The level of difficulty proves that an NCIDQ designer possesses the knowledge and expertise for building systems, codes, construction standards, contract administration, design application, professional practice, and project coordination.
The exam is broken down into 3 parts: Interior Design Fundamentals (IDFX), Interior Design Professionals Exam (IDPX), and Practicum. Each section measures a candidate’s knowledge and proficiency on different topics related to health, safety, and welfare. All exams are taken during the entire month of April and October. Applicants have five years to complete all three exams.
Fundamentals Exam (IDFX)
Eligibility: Candidates can take this part of the exam before completing their work experience hours. This exam can be taken as early as a student’s final year of school for a Bachelors's or Masters's program.
Exam Format: 125 multiple-choice questions (100 Scored and 25 Pilot Questions)
Exam Length: 3 Hours
Application Fee for IDFX Only: $95.00
Registration Fee: $295.00
Testing Location: Remote Protectoring or Prometric Facility
Passing Score: 500 (Scores are weighted and on a scale of (200-800)
Professional Exam (IDPX)
Eligibility: Candidates must complete their education and work hours before applying for this exam. *WORK EXPERIENCE IS CHANGING IN 2024
Exam Format: 175 multiple-choice questions (150 Scored and 25 Pilot Questions)
Exam Length: 4 Hours
Application Fee for IDPX and Prac Only: $145.00
Application Fee for all 3 Sections: $225.00
IDPX Registration Fee: $355.00
Testing Location: Remote Protectoring or Prometric Facility
Passing Score: 500 (Scores are weighted and on a scale of 200-800)
Practicum (PRAC)
Eligibility: Candidates must complete their education and work hours before applying for this exam. *WORK EXPERIENCE IS CHANGING IN 2024
Exam Format: 114 Questions (105 scored, 9 Pilot Questions), Interactive computerized exam consisting of 3 case studies: large commercial, small commercial, and multi-family residential. No AutoCAD, or Hand Drawing.
Exam Length: 4 Hours
Application Fee for IDPX and Prac Only: $145.00
Application Fee for all 3 Sections: $225.00
Practicum Registration Fee: $460.00
Testing Location: Prometric Facility
Passing Score: 500 (Scores are weighted and on a scale of 200-800)
How Long do I have to Take the Exams?
ALL THREE SECTIONS: Must be passed within 10 exam administrations ( About 5 Years)
IDFX ONLY: Must be passed within 4 exam administrations + IDPX & PRACTICUM (2nd stage for IDFX ONLY applicants): Must be passed within 10 exam administrations.
Exam testing windows are April and October
Ready to Take the Exam?
Step 1: Eligibility Requirements
First things first—are you qualified to take the NCIDQ Exam? Visit the CIDQ website for full eligibility path requirements based your education and work experience. Work Experience will be changing for 2024!
Step 2: Create an Account
Before you can apply, you must create an account with CIDQ. Click here to register and then log in with instructions received in your email. If you have trouble, email inquiries@cidq.org for help.
Step 3: Applying for the Exam
There are two route options for applying for the NCIDQ Exam:
Option 1: Apply only for the IDFX. If you apply just for the IDFX now, you will need to submit another application for the IDPX and Practicum once you finish your work experience hours.
Application Fee for IDFX only: $95.00 (Second application for IDPX and Prac will be $145.00)
Option 2: Apply for all three sections.
Application Fee for all 3 Sections: $225.00
Applications are a one-time fee. Your application will also require you to submit an official transcript from your institution and your work experience (for IDPX & Practicum). Make sure you leave enough time for your sealed official transcripts to arrive, as any incomplete applications will not be considered after the deadline and you’ll have to wait until the next testing season.
Step 4: Registering and Scheduling Your Exam
Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email notifying you that you that can register for the exam and schedule a date at a Prometric Testing Center. Make sure to register early so you can lock in your preferred exam date!
From this point, you have 10 testing windows to pass all three sections of the NCIDQ exam. If you are only taking the IDFX, you must pass that exam within 4 exam windows. The second stage (IDPX and Practicum) must then be completed within 10 testing windows. Any scores older than 5 years are automatically voided. Registration fees occur each time you take an exam.
Exam Fees
IDFX: $295.00
IDPX: $355.00
PRAC: $460.00
Step 5: Studying
Make sure you leave yourself adequate time to study for this exam. I recommend at least 10 weeks and join a study group. Qpractice are ID Conquer are a great online resource to help you stay on schedule. Stay tuned for my upcoming blog post on my tips and tricks for studying for the NCIDQ Exam!
Join the more than 30,000 people around the world that have earned their NCIDQ Certification!
“Sarah has so much valuable knowledge and creativity to share as a designer. She will take the time to sit down and explain everything no matter what phase of the design process you are in. Sarah played a huge role in my success while studying for the NCIDQ. She was enthusiastic, motivating and genuinely cared. Working alongside Sarah and her team will make the entire process a positive and memorable experience!”